Girl dies in steam fair accident

A five-year-old girl has died in a 'tragic accident' at a vintage steam fair, police say

Published: 12:27pm, 9th September 2012
Updated: 11:18pm, 9th September 2012

A five-year-old girl has died in a "tragic accident" at a vintage steam fair after being hit by a slow-moving vehicle.

Frantic efforts to resuscitate the girl at the showground in Cornwall where the accident happened were unsuccessful.

The girl was hit and fatally injured at the Lanlivery Steam Fair near Lostwithiel, Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed.

Foster parents of the unnamed child gave their permission for the well-established annual two-day event to continue.

They also attended a church service held at the field in remembrance of the child.

"The child was treated by paramedics at the scene within a minute of the incident occurring as they were present at the show on a display stand within 100m of the location," the police spokesman added.

"The child was flown to Derriford hospital, where she later died.

"CPR was being undertaken at the point the air ambulance lifted from the scene. Local police attended, later being joined by officers from the Bodmin serious collisions investigation unit, who will conduct a full investigation into the incident.

"The child was with her foster parents who live in Devon, her details are not being released at this time until interested parties are all aware."

He added: "The Health and Safety Executive were informed but did not attend the scene."